US Language

In an increasingly interdependent world, the Language Department endeavors to educate students to be able to communicate gracefully and effectively in a language other than English. The Language Department strives to develop a sense of world citizenship in students through exposure to the diversities and commonalities of people all over the world.

The specific objectives of the Department are to develop cultural awareness, reinforce understanding of English grammar, and develop aural-oral and writing fluency in a language other than English.

Three years of the same foreign language are required. Enrollment in honors courses requires departmental approval.

Latin I

Latin I

In this first-year course, students learn Latin grammar and vocabulary by reading and translating Latin every day. Through grammar and vocabulary exercises they deepen their understanding of the language. The course also introduces students to the culture and history of ancient Rome with a focus on Pompeii; and challenges them to critically examine connections between Roman and modern culture.
Latin II

Latin II

Students in Latin II continue to expand their knowledge of Latin through the daily reading of increasingly complex passages. Exercises in grammar and vocabulary develop their ability to translate the language precisely. Their study of Roman history and culture continues with a focus on life in two key Roman provinces: Britain and Egypt.

Prerequisite: C- or better in Latin I.
Latin III

Latin III

Students in Latin III continue to explore the Latin language through the daily reading of complex Latin passages, as well as through grammar and vocabulary exercises. Students also continue to examine Rome’s role in the Mediterranean by focusing on the Roman army and the campaigns of Vespasian and Titus in Judea. Lastly, they learn about the city of Rome itself.

Prerequisite: C- or better in Latin II.
Honors Latin IV

Honors Latin IV

In Honors Latin IV, students conclude their study of Latin grammar before moving on to authentic Latin literature. Students work to increase their speed and fluency in reading Latin through daily translations, focusing on authors of the Republican and Augustan periods. Reading both prose and poetry in their historical context rounds out the students’ understanding of Roman history, Latin grammar, and the development of Latin literature.

Prerequisite: B+ in Latin III or departmental approval.
AP Latin

AP Latin

This course is the culmination of the students’ previous years of study. Students will learn to translate, analyze, and respond to prose and poetry as mature Latin readers through the in-depth study of Caesar’s Bellum Gallicum and Vergil’s Aeneid. They also write essays, practice translating Latin at sight, and scan dactylic hexameter in preparation for the AP exam. Students are required to take the AP Latin examination upon completion of the course.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in Honors Latin IV and departmental approval.
French I

French I

In this course, practice is predominantly focused on imitation, repetition, and variation presented through a framework of dialogues and conversations. Grammar is introduced slowly through dialogues and is thoroughly explained and reinforced by oral, listening, and written work. Francophone culture is introduced and explored throughout this level and is expanded through independent projects.
French II

French II

In this second-year course students continue their development of vocabulary, practice of listening and pronunciation skills, and improvement in reading and writing. Listening and speaking skills are further developed through the use of online listening and speaking resources, classroom discussion, and oral reports. Students continue their study of francophone culture as well.

Prerequisite: C- or better in French I.
French III

French III

In this third-year course students practice listening and oral skills through conversations and exercises and extend their grammar control. Students focus on refining communication skills through the proper use of vocabulary and developing more fluency in conversation. Students continue their study of French culture, and the francophone world as well. Readings of works in French literature are introduced as students continue to build confidence in their ability to express themselves in French.

Prerequisite: C- or better in French II.
Honors French IV

Honors French IV

In this advanced course, students continue to explore francophone culture with an emphasis on the themes explored in AP French, such as Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, the Family, Beauty and Aesthetics, and Contemporary Life. Students enrolled in Honors French IV must have the language skills and desire to participate in unscripted conversations, write multiple - paragraph reports, and to analyze authentic literature and audiovisual sources. Grammar is reviewed and extended, often in communicative contexts, and the course is taught entirely in the target language. Students' listening comprehension skills should be sufficient to learn in a fully immersive environment.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in French III or French IV Conversation and departmental approval.
AP French

AP French Language

Students in AP French will further develop accuracy in the four skills necessary to attain fluency: listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing. This is accomplished through the use of sample questions and exercises from past AP exams, AP level reading selections from famous works of literature, current news podcasts and authentic videos, and further research of the cultural topics of the six themes covered on the AP exam. The topics studied are Science and Technology, Self-Identity, Contemporary Life, Family and Community, Beauty and Aesthetics, and Global Challenges. The course is conducted entirely in French and is to prepare for the AP exam given in May.

A high level of achievement in a level IV course, commitment, responsibility, and passion for the language are some of the essential requirements to be successful in this college level course. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam upon completion of the course.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in Honors French IV and departmental approval.
Spanish I for Beginners

Spanish 1 for Beginners

This course is designed for students who have never studied Spanish and have not covered the topics that are necessary for success in a level 2 or level 1 class. The topics covered in this level are basic Spanish concepts such as ser/estar, counting, adjective agreement, definite articles, as well as basic sentence structure and greetings. In addition, students will develop conversational skills for use in daily conversations. Topics will focus on Hispanic culture and grammar including simple present tense focusing on regular and a few irregular verbs, as well as basic vocabulary. This course is by teacher recommendation only.
Spanish I

Spanish I

In this first-year course, students study and review simple, practical vocabulary and grammatical constructions, further develop their understanding of spoken Spanish, and practice correct pronunciation. Classroom discussions and listening activities are used to develop listening and oral skills. Short reading selections are used to develop reading skills and expand vocabulary. An introduction to the culture of Spanish-speaking countries is integral to this course.
Spanish II

Spanish II

In this second-year course, students continue their development of vocabulary, practice of listening and pronunciation skills, improvement in reading and writing, and continue the study of Hispanic culture. Conversation skills are further enhanced by using language audio recordings, classroom discussions, and communicative activities. The use of reading selections places more emphasis on reading comprehension.

Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish I.
Spanish III

Spanish III

This third course in the sequence continues the development of the four skills developed in levels I and II. Vocabulary is broadened and grammar is expanded. The focus is on communication which encompasses vocabulary use, the development of emerging conversational fluency, and original writing. Literature is introduced with short stories and legends. Students build self-confidence in their ability to express themselves in Spanish.

Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish II.
Spanish IV Conversation

Spanish IV Conversation

This course is designed for students to gain confidence in their fluency, pronunciation, and communication in the language to expand their understanding of Hispanic culture. Certain grammar points will be reviewed based on the texts being studied and on topics that arise in class. There is an increase in their vocabulary through readings, films, digital recordings, and other authentic materials. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable expressing their ideas, feelings, and opinions in the target language. The course combines content-based language instruction with an interactive task-based approach. Individual and group presentations provide students with practice in making formal and informal presentations in Spanish. Students must be willing to engage in conversation and with the material to be successful in this course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III.
Honors Spanish IV

Honors Spanish IV

In this advanced course, students continue to explore hispanic culture with an emphasis on the themes that will be explored in AP Spanish, such as Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, the Family, and Contemporary Life. Students enrolled in Honors Spanish IV must have the language skills and desire to participate in unscripted conversations, write multiple- paragraph reports, and analyze authentic literature and audiovisual sources. Grammar is reviewed and extended, often in communicative contexts, and the course is conducted entirely in Spanish. Students’ listening comprehension skills should be sufficient to learn in a fully immersive environment.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in Spanish III or Spanish IV Conversation and departmental approval.
AP Spanish Language

AP Spanish Language

Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam through exercises designed to develop accuracy and fluency in the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Activities include sample questions and exercises from past AP exams, reading selections from famous works of literature, current news podcasts and further research of the cultural topics of Science and Technology, Families and Communities, Beauty and Aesthetics, Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities and Contemporary Life. A high level of achievement in a level IV course, commitment, responsibility, and passion for the language are some of the essential requirements to be successful in this course. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam upon completion of the course.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in Honors Spanish IV and departmental approval.
Hon. Adv. Spanish Conversation/Culture

Honors Advanced Spanish Conversation and Culture

This course is a year-long honors level course offered to students who have completed AP Spanish, or who have successfully completed a level 4 course and have outstanding oral communication skills (with departmental approval). Students must have the desire to participate in unscripted conversations, debates, and presentations, and to analyze authentic literature and audiovisual sources. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish, and the focus will be on advancing conversation and writing skills through the analysis of literature, film, music and the arts while learning about Spanish-speaking identities and culture.

Prerequisite: AP Spanish or departmental approval.